A Guide on Anomaly Scan in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation and anticipation. As you eagerly await the arrival of your little one, it's natural to be curious about their development and well-being. An anomaly scan in pregnancy offers a remarkable window into your baby's world, providing a detailed assessment of their anatomy and helping to identify any potential concerns. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll look into the purpose, procedure, and significance of anomaly scans, so you have the right knowledge to guide you in your pregnancy journey.

An anomaly scan in pregnancy, also known as a mid-pregnancy scan, fetal anatomy scan, or 20-week scan, is a detailed ultrasound examination performed during the second trimester. It is one of the scans you’ll find in the list of scans during pregnancy. 

This scan utilizes sound waves to create images of your baby in the womb, allowing healthcare professionals to meticulously examine their organs, limbs, and overall development.

The primary purpose of an anomaly scan in pregnancy is to identify any potential structural abnormalities or birth defects. While the majority of babies are born healthy, some may develop conditions that require specialized care or intervention. Early detection through an anomaly scan enables healthcare providers to:

• Provide informed counseling: If a potential abnormality is detected, you'll receive detailed information and support to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and future care.
• Plan for specialized care: Early diagnosis allows for timely referral to specialists and planning for any necessary interventions or treatments after birth.
• Offer reassurance: In many cases, the anomaly scan confirms that the baby is developing normally, providing immense reassurance to expectant parents.

An anomaly scan is typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy, with the optimal time being around 20 weeks. This timing allows for a comprehensive assessment of the baby's anatomy while providing sufficient time for further investigations or decisions if needed.

During an anomaly scan, the sonographer meticulously examines your baby from head to toe, capturing detailed images of their developing organs and structures. Here's a closer look at what this comprehensive scan checks:

Brain:

• Structure: The sonographer assesses the overall shape and structure of the brain, looking for any abnormalities such as anencephaly (absence of a major portion of the brain), hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain), or other structural defects.
• Development: They also check for proper development of the different parts of the brain, including the cerebellum (responsible for coordination) and the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces).

Face:

• Facial features: The scan examines the baby's facial features, ensuring the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears are developing normally.
• Cleft lip and palate: The sonographer carefully checks for any signs of cleft lip or palate, which are openings or splits in the upper lip or roof of the mouth.

Spine:

• Spinal cord: The scan examines the entire length of the spine, looking for any signs of spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord doesn't close completely.
• Vertebrae: The individual bones of the spine (vertebrae) are also checked for proper alignment and development.

Heart:

• Structure: The sonographer evaluates the structure of the baby's heart, including the four chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.
• Function: They also assess the heart's function, checking for any abnormal rhythms or blood flow patterns that could indicate a congenital heart defect.

Lungs:

• Development: The scan assesses the development of the baby's lungs, ensuring they are growing and maturing properly.
• Size: The size of the lungs is also checked to ensure they are proportionate to the baby's overall size.

Abdomen:

• Organs: The scan examines the abdominal organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, and bladder, looking for any structural abnormalities or signs of blockage.
• Diaphragm: The diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, is also checked for proper development.

Limbs:

• Arms and legs: The sonographer assesses the arms and legs, checking for proper bone development and any signs of abnormalities.
• Fingers and toes: They count the fingers and toes to ensure they are all present and formed correctly.

Placenta:

• Position: The scan determines the location of the placenta in the uterus, checking for conditions like placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix).
• Health: The sonographer also assesses the placenta's health, looking for any signs of abnormalities that could affect its function.

Amniotic fluid:

• Amount: The scan checks the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, ensuring there is enough fluid for proper development.
• Clarity: The clarity of the amniotic fluid is also assessed, as cloudy or discolored fluid can indicate potential problems.

In essence, the anomaly scan provides a comprehensive overview of your baby's anatomical development, helping to identify any potential concerns that may require further investigation or specialized care.

Similar to other ultrasound scans, an anomaly scan is a safe and painless procedure. You'll be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a sonographer will apply a special gel to your abdomen. This gel helps transmit the sound waves effectively. 

The sonographer will then move a handheld device called a transducer over your belly, capturing detailed images of your baby on a monitor. You'll be able to see your baby's movements and features in real-time, making it a memorable experience for many parents.

In some cases, the anomaly scan in pregnancy may reveal a potential abnormality or concern. It's important to remember that this doesn't always mean there's a serious problem. Sometimes, further investigations or scans may be needed to clarify the findings. If a concern is identified, your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you in detail, explain the possible implications, and offer support and guidance. This may involve:

• Further scans and tests: Additional scans, such as a fetal echocardiogram (detailed heart scan) or an MRI, may be recommended to gather more information.
• Referral to specialists: You may be referred to specialists, such as a fetal medicine consultant or a geneticist, for further evaluation and counseling.
• Diagnostic tests: In some cases, diagnostic tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may be offered to provide more information about the baby's chromosomes and genetic makeup.

It's crucial to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and the appropriate course of action will depend on your individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider will work closely with you, providing personalized support and guidance throughout the process.

Generally, there's no specific preparation needed for an anomaly scan. However, it's helpful to:

• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting, two-piece outfits that allow easy access to your abdomen.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water can sometimes improve the clarity of the images.
• Bring your partner or a support person: Sharing this experience with a loved one can be comforting and reassuring.

The cost of an anomaly scan in India can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Location: Prices may differ between cities and regions.
• Clinic or hospital: Private clinics and hospitals generally charge more than government facilities.   
• Doctor's experience: The fee may be higher if the scan is performed by a highly experienced sonographer or fetal medicine specialist.
• Type of scan: A 3D or 4D anomaly scan may cost more than a standard 2D scan.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 for an anomaly scan in India. It's advisable to contact different clinics and hospitals in your area to compare prices and inquire about any package deals or discounts they may offer.

An anomaly scan in pregnancy is crucial, offering a comprehensive evaluation of your baby's development and providing valuable information to you and your doctor. While the possibility of detecting an abnormality can be concerning, it's important to remember that most babies are born healthy. 

If a concern is identified, early detection allows for informed decision-making, planning for specialized care, and ultimately, the best possible outcome for your baby.

Is an anomaly scan painful? 

No, an anomaly scan is a painless procedure. You may feel some pressure on your abdomen as the sonographer moves the transducer, but it should not be uncomfortable.

Can an anomaly scan detect all birth defects? 

While an anomaly scan can detect many birth defects, it cannot identify all possible conditions. Some abnormalities may develop later in pregnancy or may be difficult to visualize with ultrasound.

What if the sonographer can't see everything clearly? 

Sometimes, the baby's position or other factors may make it challenging to visualize all anatomical structures. In such cases, the sonographer may ask you to change positions or suggest a repeat scan.

What should I do if I'm anxious about the anomaly scan? 

It's normal to feel anxious about the anomaly scan. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns, and consider bringing a support person with you to the appointment.

Are there any risks associated with an anomaly scan? 

Anomaly scans use ultrasound technology, which is considered safe for both mother and baby. There are no known risks associated with this procedure.

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